Large Companies More Likely to Offer Dental Insurance 

TUESDAY, Sept. 7 (HealthDay News) -- Larger companies and those in more populated areas of the United States are more likely to offer dental insurance to workers, finds the first comprehensive study on the issue.

'Magic Mushroom' Hallucinogen Might Help Cancer Patients 

TUESDAY, Sept. 7 (HealthDay News) -- A controlled dose of the main ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms appears to reduce anxiety and lift spirits in people battling advanced cancer, researchers report.

Clinical Trials Update: Sept. 7, 2010 

(HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Health Tip: Recognizing a Skin Allergy 

(HealthDay News) -- Allergic skin conditions may include eczema and hives. But how do you know if you have one?

Cost of Medical Malpractice Tops $55 Billion a Year in U.S. 

TUESDAY, Sept. 7 (HealthDay News) -- The cost of medical malpractice in the United States is $55.6 billion a year, which is 2.4 percent of annual health-care spending, a new study shows.

Fillings, Sealants May Leach BPA Into Kids' Mouths 

TUESDAY, Sept. 7 (HealthDay News) -- The fillings and sealants that many dentists use can expose children to the controversial chemical bisphenol A (BPA), a new analysis indicates, but such exposure is short-lived and it remains unclear whether or not it poses a long-term health risk.

Urgent Care, Retail Clinics Offer Alternatives to ER Visits 

TUESDAY, Sept. 7 (HealthDay News) -- An estimated 17 percent of all patients who visit U.S. hospital emergency departments could be treated at urgent care centers or retail medical clinics instead, a move that would save $4.4 billion a year in health care costs, a new U.S. study suggests.

Health Tip: Making Healthy Lunch Choices 

(HealthDay News) -- Many types of standard lunch fare are packed with calories and fat. But there are healthier alternatives that can make for a more nutritious lunch.

Health Highlights: Sept. 7, 2010 

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Yesterday

Low-Carb Diets Heavy on Meat May Raise Health Risks 

MONDAY, Sept. 6 (HealthDay News) -- A low-carbohydrate diet that derives fats and proteins from vegetable sources rather than meats is probably healthier, new research finds.

Chemicals in Rugs, Cookware May Be Linked to Raised Cholesterol in Teens 

MONDAY, Sept. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Common chemicals found in everything from non-stick cookware to grease-resistant food packaging appear to be associated with increases in cholesterol levels in adolescents, a new study suggests.

Lack of Sleep May Be Linked to Childhood Obesity 

MONDAY, Sept. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Infants and preschoolers who don't get enough sleep at night are at increased risk for later childhood obesity, a new study suggests.

After $75,000, Money Can't Buy Day-to-Day Happiness 

MONDAY, Sept. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Money can help buy happiness -- at least if you're bringing in about $75,000 a year, new research shows.